PLANET FOR SALE takes the form of a narrative poem set in the distant future. Gorgeously illustrated by Sean Caulfield and written by Steven Hoffman and Caitlin Fisher the story begins on a dystopian planet as the narrator, a real-estate agent, spins a sales pitch to get the best price for a ruined planet: Earth. The story hones in on the ‘tragedy of the commons’ whereby shared resources are privatized and mishandled resulting in, amongst other things, depleted resources via failed energy transition. Specifically, the narrative hinges upon a “choice” that was made—or rather was not made—by people living at a critical time in planetary history (i.e. 2018-2030). Planet for Sale is meant for both children and adults, demonstrating to both that grown-ups do not have all the answers, nor is progress inevitable. The book ends with a call-to-action that asks us to learn from our past and current mistakes. It challenges everyone, of all ages, to be part of the politics of the day; to work together to create the changes needed to ensure a better tomorrow than the one currently forecast by the global scientific community. This work was first presented at the Prototypes for Possible Worlds exhibition as a deconstructed book installed directly on the gallery walls.
Once upon a time, there was a planet for sale…
